244 SOME FAMOUS GARDENS 



Or a wand to open the vaults that run 



Down to the afrite-guarcled treasures, 



And I will open its doors to thee. 



Who hath tasted its countless pleasures ? 



Who hath breathed, in its winds of spice, 



Raptures deeper than Paradise ? 



Who hath trodden its ivory floors, 



Where the fount drops pearls from a golden shell, 



And heard the hinges of diamond doors 



Swing to the music of Israfel ? 



Its roses blossom, its palms arise, 



By the phantom stream that flows so fair 



Under the Desert's burning skies. 



Can you reach that flood, can you drink its tide, 



Can you swim its waves to the farther side, 



Your feet may enter there. 



I have seen the Garden of Irem. 



I found it, but I sought it not : 



Without a path, without a guide, 



I found the enchanted spot : 



Without a key its golden gate stood wide. 



I was young and strong and bold and free 



As the milk-white foal of the Nedjidee, 



And the blood in my veins was like sap of the vine, 



That stirs, and mounts, and will not stop 



Till the breathing blossoms that bring the wine 



Have drained its balm to the last sweet drop. 



Lance and barb were all I knew, 



Till deep in the Desert the spot I found, 



Mine were the pearl and ivory floors, 



